Beloved Host of One of the Most Popular Children's Shows of All Time Dies at 76

On Monday, October 1, the news emerged that longtime TV host Geoffrey Hayes has passed away. The 76-year-old was the beloved host of the longest running children's program, "Rainbow." The show has been wildly successful throughout the UK and worldwide.

He wrote, "It is with great sadness that the family announce that Geoffrey passed away in the hospital with his wife, Sarah, and son, Tom, by his side. Geoffrey Hayes (born 13 March 1942) was an English television presenter and actor, best known as the host of Thames Television's top-rated children's show Rainbow, and for his portrayal of Detective Constable Scatliff in the successful TV Series Z Cars for the BBC."

He continued, "The family would like to express their thanks to the many fans over the years as it always gave Geoffrey so much pleasure to know that he and his Rainbow team had given so much fun to TV and theatre audiences over the years. There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be appreciated if the privacy of Geoffrey's family is respected at this most difficult time."

Below are some of the heartwarming tributes that have flooded in following the news of Hayes' death:

Please share your prayers for Hayes' family during this difficult time. Pray for his wife and son! In other recent news, please also be praying for the family of the missing boy with Autism after a tragic update was confirmed.